DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (4 – 10 June)

 

1. Castlerock Clydesdale Horse Show & Fun Day, Coleraine, 9 June. The annual Clydesdale horse show and fun day in Castlerock is an excellent day out for all the family at the seaside. The day includes the horse show followed by a parade of the Clydesdales, craft stalls, a BBQ, bouncy castle, a penalty kick competition and much more.
2. Salmon & Whiskey Festival, Bushmills, 9-10 June. A two-day festival showcasing local music, food and arts. The festival includes whiskey-tasting, demonstrations, live music, dance troupes, street performers and much more.
3. O-Bon Japanese Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 9 June. The Playtrail will be transformed into ‘Little Tokyo’ where there will be Japanese games, Manga martial arts, Japanese dance and Taiko drumming. As the darkness falls, the evening will culminate in the spectacular Toro Nagashi Lantern Ceremony.
4. Armagh County Agricultural Show, Armagh, June. The Armagh County Agricultural Show and Country Festival offers a great day out for all the family. Come along and enjoy equestrian events, home industries, food village, vintage displays, trade stands and much more.
5. Mourne Way Marathon, Newry, 9 June. In the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty participants take part in a variety of races, from the staggering 52 mile long Ultra Marathon to the more relaxing but still rigorous challenge walk in aid of Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke.
6. Belfast Book Festival, Belfast, 6-16 June. The 8th Belfast Book Festival returns and is growing from strength to strength feathering authors, workshops, music, comedy, poetry, theatre and discussions. Festival-goers will be treated to the best international and local talent at the Crescent Arts Centre and partner venues across the city.
7. Sea Bangor Festival, Bangor, 9-10 June. The popular maritime festival returns with a host of activities including live music, food stalls, street theatre and impressive displays that the event is known and loved for.
8. Cloughmills June Fair, Cloughmills,  9-10 June. Enjoy live music, market stalls, dancing exhibitions and craft activities at this fair. This fair also features interactive workshops on bushcraft, archery, blacksmithing, willow sculpturing, cooking and bread making demonstrations.
9. Fun Run of the Glens, Glenravel, 9 June. Join hundreds of cyclists and runners taking on the Glens in this fantastic annual event in aid of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.
10. Avenged Sevenfold, Belfast, 6 June. Recently described as the one metal band of their generation with genuine stadium-filling ability on both sides of the Atlantic, heavyweight US metal legends Avenged Sevenfold headline the SSE Arena.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (28 May- 3 June)

 

1. Causeway Coast Ford Fair, Portrush, 3 June. The 14th Annual Causeway Coast Ford Fair takes place on the West Strand.  The fair showcases a wide range of classic and vintage Ford vehicles and hosts a trade village selling car-related merchandise, a food village and a children’s entertainment area, offering a fabulous family day out for everyone.
2. Ballymoney Show, Ballymoney, 1-2 June. One of the oldest and largest agricultural shows in Northern Ireland, offering two days of fun for all the family. In addition to livestock judging the show offers equestrian events, home industries and school competitions, dog shows, live musical entertainment, tug of war games and football competitions and more. There are over 100 trade stands showcasing artisan food, rural crafts and agricultural products.
3. Michael McIntyre, Belfast, 2 June. Britain’s biggest comedian Michael McIntyre is going global with his Big World Tour coming to the SSE Arena. With his trademark quick fire style, he shares humorous anecdotes of his life, jokes and much more to create a night full of laughs.
4. Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, Ballycastle, 25 May-3 June. The festival celebrates culture, cuisine and coastal treasures with exciting sea-focused events such as curraghs, have-a-go kayaking, cookery demonstrations, classes and traditional music. Naturally North Coast, the Glens Artisan Market and an ‘Ulster Chowder Cook off’ only give a flavour of what is on offer to see and do.
5. Walled City Marathon, Derry~Londonderry, 3 June. From the Everglades Hotel to the historic Guildhall Square, the SSE Walled City Marathon sees athletes from Ireland, Britain and across the world arrive in Derry~Londonderry to compete over a stunning 26.2 mile course that takes in all the sights and sounds of the city.
6. Otter MAYhem at Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry, 28 May. Combining the Spring Bank Holiday and World Otter Day, Exploris is hosting an Otter MAYhem event. Take part in animal talks and feeding demos as well as some ‘otter madness’ themed crafts and lots more entertainment for all the family.
7. Mid Ulster Vintage Rally, Moneymore, 2 June. Hosted by the Mid Ulster Vintage Vehicle Club you can enjoy the largest vintage vehicle rally in Mid Ulster. Hundreds of vehicles and items of machinery will be on display with fun for all the family.
8. Ulster Orchestra Season Grand Finale: Shostakovich Symphony No.5, Belfast, 1 June. Sweeping Romantic and epic national treasures come together in the season finale; three poetry-inspired pieces that reflect the concerns of the soul and ultimately end in the triumph of the human spirit will be performed at the Ulster Hall.
9. RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq The World Tour 2018, Belfast, 1 June. Enjoy a fabulous evening at the Waterfront Hall hosted by celebrity judge Michelle Visage, with sickening performances by Kim Chi, Latrice Royale, Shangela, Sharon Needles, Violet Chachki, Valentina and a surprise guest from the all new 10th season.
10. ForM Sculpture Exhibition, Bangor, 2-14 June. The exhibition showcases works from an array of artists in the beautiful surroundings of Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden. The sculptures, inspired by the garden, will give visitors a unique experience and the opportunity to see art in a different context.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (21-27 May)

 

1. Armagh Craft Fair, Armagh, 26 May. Meet the makers and buy beautiful high quality handcrafted goods as 45 handpicked designers, artists and craftspeople nationwide are showcased at the Armagh Craft Fair. The event is held at the Market Place Theatre and includes workshops, demonstrations and live music.
2. BBC Music: The Biggest Weekend, Belfast, 25-26 May. BBC’s Biggest Weekend ever comes to the Titanic slipways. Included in the line-up are Manic Street Preachers, Franz Ferdinand and Beck, amongst many other great acts.
3. Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience, Belfast, 25 May. The critically acclaimed Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience will bring the world of Westeros to Belfast, giving fans the opportunity to watch in wonder as famed composer Ramin Djawadi leads an orchestra and choir performing music from all seven seasons of the iconic HBO series.
4. Portrush Raft Race Weekend, Portrush, 26-27 May.  The Portrush Raft Race, in aid of RNLI, is one of the most popular family fun days on the North Coast. Large crowds of spectators gather to watch as the ‘home-made’ rafts race from the West Strand beach to the finishing line in the harbour.
5. Annual Country Fair, Enniskillen, 27 May. Florence Court hosts its annual Country Fair, which is one of the most popular family-fun days in Fermanagh throughout the year. The fair includes live music, craft stalls, outdoor activities, face painting, house tours, forge demonstrations and much more.
6. Festiv’Ards, Portaferry, 25-28 May. Portico’s annual four-day festival celebrates the best in classical music with a range of international artists. Line-up includes pianist Michael McHale, violinist Patrick Rafter, guitarist Thibauld Garcia and many more.
7. Race for Life, Belfast, 27 May. Meeting at the Stormont Parliament Buildings the Race for Life is a sponsored race for Cancer Research UK where participants are encouraged to wear pink. Take on the 5K race or the muddy obstacle course in the name of beating cancer.
8. Puppet Festival, Newtownards, 26-28 May. Coming to Conway Square, the Puppet Festival brings a programme jam-packed with fun and antics. With performances, workshops and plenty of quirky characters to meet, there’s something for everyone. For more information visit ArdsArts.com
9. Belfast Parkland International Golf Tournament, Belfast, 23-25 May. This three day tournament is open to individual players and pairs, playing across Shandon Park Golf Club, Belvoir Park Golf Club and Royal Belfast Golf Club. Programme includes the tournament, a welcome reception evening and a prize-giving.
10. Centenary Celebration Weekend, Lisnarick, 26-27 May. Celebrate the centenary of the RAF by taking a trip down memory lane back to the Second World War and the excitement in town when American and Canadian Airmen were stationed at RAF Castle Archdale. Weekend includes Spitfire displays, military vehicle displays and craft stalls.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are 10 exciting things taking place this week (14-20 May)

 

1. Balmoral Show, Lisburn, 16-19 May. Tens of thousands of people will flock to Ireland’s largest agri-food festival to enjoy everything the countryside has to offer. It is a superb family day out serving up a festival of food and farming alongside a jam packed entertainment schedule including show jumping, livestock exhibitions and much more.
2. Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, Belfast, 19-20 May. Climb aboard the magnificent visiting tall ships and naval vessels, which will be docked in Belfast for the festival. A bumper-packed weekend full of maritime-themed family fun, food and frolics.
3. Vauxhall International 2018 North West 200 Race Festival Week, Portstewart, 13-19 May. With three days of racing, 100 riders, 100k spectators and speeds of up to 209mph, the NW200 is one of Northern Ireland’s top sporting events and one of the world’s fastest road races. The event includes exhibitions, charity cycles, mini moto cycling, car boot sales and displays of veteran, vintage and classic vehicles, as well as special guests and music entertainment.
4. Opry le Daniel, Derry~Londonderry, 13-19 May.  TG4’s hit series Opry le Daniel returns to the Millennium Forum with seven nights of concerts featuring the best of country music.  Hosted live by Ireland’s ‘King of Country’ Daniel O’Donnell, Opry brings you all of your favourites plus the up and coming future generation of country music.
5. Twilight at the Trust, Newtownards, 18-19 May. Mount Stewart is delighted to host a new production presented by Peter Corry. Enjoy a wonderful evening of music in the magical grounds with a drinks and canapé reception.
6. Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, Newtownabbey, 17-19 May. Three nights of exhilarating adventure at Theatre at the Mill with two unique film programmes. Through the big screen, join fearless explorers and intrepid filmmakers as they venture deep into the world’s most isolated and spectacular landscapes. For more details and to book tickets visit BANFF-UK.com
7. Exclusive Carleton Wine Dinner, Clogher, 18 May. An exclusive Carleton wine dinner at Corick House Hotel and Spa with guest speaker Jamie Pike, the son of winemaker Neil Pike and export director for Pike’s Wines based in Clare Valley.
8. Guided walk of Tully Castle and the Shores of Lough Erne, Enniskillen, 19 May. Nestled on the shores of Lower Lough Erne is Tully Castle, the impressive remains of a fortified house and bawn built during the plantation era in the early 17th century. On this walk a geopark guide brings you through hundreds of years of history at Tully Castle.
9. Biodiversity Day 2018 at Castle Espie, Newtownards, 20 May. Visitors are offered the chance to explore Spring wildlife around the castle’s reserve. Learn more about birds nesting and see new spring wildflowers, which will be in full bloom, on this special afternoon dedicated to the biodiversity of Castle Espie.
10. Mindreader David Meade – Wizard of Odds, Newry, 19 May. In his funniest and most impossible show yet, mindreader David Meade – the first mentalist to win a million dollars in Las Vegas – will blow your mind as he beats the odds and predicts the impossible at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are 10 exciting things taking place this week (7-13 May)

 

1. Shanes Castle Steam Rally, Antrim, 6-7 May. Over forty steam engines and working steam models are expected at Shanes Castle along with living vans and machinery, demonstrating how they worked in bygone times. Entertainment for the day includes a mobile farm, Punch & Judy shows, car displays, demonstration rescues and much more.
2. Beltaine Festival of Fire, Armagh, 5-7 May.  Immerse yourself in life as an ancient Celt at the Navan Centre & Fort during the Beltaine Festival of Fire; a time of purification and transition. Help build a fire arch, try your hand at making a traditional Celtic crown and join in the preparation of handfasting cakes.
3. Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival 2018, Belfast, 3-13 May. The 19th Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival boasts a staggering programme of live music, comedy, spoken word, theatre, literature, film and art with over 150 events for all ages taking place across 20 venues in the city. For full event programme, visit CQAF.com.
4. The O’Neills Story, Tullaghoge Fort and Hill of the O’Neill, Cookstown, 12 May.  The story of the O’Neill clan has caught the imagination of visitors and locals alike. Join this historic walking tour, which follows in the clan’s footsteps.
5. Vauxhall International 2018 North West 200 Race Festival Week, Portstewart, 13-17 May. With three days of racing, 100 riders, 100k spectators and speeds of up to 209mph, the NW200 is one of Northern Ireland’s top sporting events and one of the world’s fastest road races. The event includes exhibitions, charity cycles, mini moto cycling, car boot sales and displays of veteran, vintage and classic vehicles, as well as special guests and music entertainment.
6. Portadown Viking Experience 2018, Craigavon, 11 May. A celebration of heritage on the banks of the River Bann, the Portadown Viking Experience aims to bring 200 Viking re-enactors, artisans and craftspeople together at the original Viking site. With rowing and sailing sessions for families, authentic Viking village history talks, warrior weapon training, and mock Viking battles for children, this day is sure to get everyone into the Viking spirit.
7. Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon 2018, Belfast, 7 May. Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon is the largest participatory sporting event in Northern Ireland. Launched in 1982 with 3025 entrants, the event takes place on May Day each year, now bringing over 17,000 people to Belfast.
8. Pipe Band Championships, Bangor, 12 May.  Castle Park will be hosting the Pipe Band Championships. With over 40 bands and 50 Drum Majors competing at this event, it makes an impressive spectacle and a fantastic day out for all the family.
9. Launch of Downhill Tree Trail, Coleraine, 12 May. Springtime is a great time to visit the Downhill Demesne. This guided tour offers not only a chance to discover exotic trees and a secret arboretum but also the chance to see well-tended gardens in full bloom and woodland areas around the lake ablaze with wild flowers such as bluebells celandine and wild garlic.
10. Snow Patrol, Derry~Londonderry, 11 May. The Millennium Forum welcomes the globally acclaimed Northern Irish band Snow Patrol, for an intimate gig in the Walled City.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are 10 exciting things taking place this week (30 April – 6 May)

 

1. Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival 2018, Belfast, 3-13 May. The 19th Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival boasts a staggering programme of live music, comedy, spoken word, theatre, literature, film and art with over 150 events for all ages taking place across 20 venues in the city. For full event programme, visit CQAF.com.
2. Festival of Fools 2018, Belfast, 4-7 May. The Festival of Fools brings a jam-packed programme of circus performances, featuring breathtaking acrobatics, gut-busting comedy and jaw-dropping juggling to the streets of the city centre. For full programme, visit FoolsFestival.com.
3. City of Derry Jazz Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 3-7 May. During the May Bank Holiday weekend the Walled City reverberates to the distinctive jazz rhythms echoing from theatres, bars, shopping centres, restaurants and on the city streets. For full programme, visit CityofDerryJazzFestival.com.
4. Causeway Coast Challenge Walk, Co. Antrim, 6 May. This event attracts walkers from all over Ireland and further afield. The spectacular walk commences at Portballintrae and follows the spectacular coastal cliff top path along Runkerry beach, via the famous Giant’s Causeway to eventually reach the little hamlet of Port Bradden, where participants turn and retrace their steps.
5. May Day Mayhem Weekend Shindigs, Limavady, 5-18 May. Bring your kids to the Roe Valley and let them taste the fresh air, fun and adventure that awaits at Carrowmena Activity Centre over the May Day Holidays. Programmed activities include a climbing wall, canoeing, kayaking and archery.
6. Tandragee 100 Motorcycle Road Race, Tandragee, 4-5 May. The largest national road racing event in Northern Ireland, attracting over 150 competitors from around the globe, including Guy Martin, William Dunlop. The course is 5.3 miles long and takes place on public roads situated between the shallow hills of Tandragee and Markethill in County Armagh.
7. PALMYRA, Belfast, 5 May. PALMYRA is an exploration of revenge, the politics of destruction and what we consider to be barbaric, inviting people to step back from the news and look at what lies beneath and beyond civilization, in a challenging and contemporary piece to the MAC theatre.
8. The Springsteen Sessions, Belfast, 5 May. Crumlin Road Gaol proudly presents The Springsteen Sessions, a seven-piece Glasgow-based band who pay homage to the 40-year career of The Boss and the E Street Band.
9. Adrian Knight – Family Fun Show, Limavady, 5 May. International comedy hypnotist Adrian Knight returns to the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre with his brand new family evening show, letting children of all ages witness his amazing talents.
10. Nashville In Belfast, Belfast, 28 April -7 May. An action-packed, fun-filled week of events taking place across the city dedicated to Nashville, the music city of America.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are 10 exciting things taking place this week (16-22 April)

 

1. Ulster Rugby V Glasgow Warriors, Belfast, 20-22 April. In Round 17 of the Guinness PRO14 Championship, Ulster will host trailblazers Glasgow Warriors at Kingspan Stadium. Glasgow have been defeated just once in the PRO14 this season, meaning that this match is sure to be a huge showdown. Match was originally scheduled for 2 March but due to adverse weather it was postponed, original tickets are valid.
2. Treasure and Tapas Tour, Portrush, 21 April. Experience a unique and immersive trip into the story of the Spanish Armada by sea. Causeway Coast Foodie Tours host this tour which will head along the coast, past The Giant’s Causeway for Lacada Point where the Girona, one of the Spanish Armada’s ships, sank back in 1588 with huge loss of life and treasure. There will be unhurried time to fish and be enthralled with the story-telling, as well as to taste locally brewed artisan beers from Lacada Brewery.
3. Bedlam Bazaar, Belfast, 21 April. Bedlam Bazaar is an eclectic cabaret showcasing performers of the ridiculous, the absurd and the bold. This exciting event is the third cabaret club from clown and bouffon specialists Amadan, so expect a no-holds-barred variety extravaganza to the Accidental Theatre on Shaftesbury Square.
4. Arts Night at The Museum, Bangor, 20 April. Every nook and cranny of the historic North Down Museum building will be filled with art activity to experience, participate in or observe, letting you explore the Museum in a unique and unexpected way. You will be able to participate in clay work, printmaking, drawing activities and painting or just sit back and listen to some good music in this free event for all the family.
5. Hidden Cuilcagh – Guided trek hikers trail, Enniskillen, 22 April. The walk starts over Legacurragh where extensive areas of limestone are concealed by blanket bog. A Geopark guide will bring you across the bogland for approx. 4km towards Cuilcagh as it looms on the horizon. A vigorous, steep ascent through blanket bog, heather and boulders leads you to the summit cairn. Meeting at Gortalughany Viewpoint car park. Booking is essential, call 028 6634 885
6. Blue Lough Guided Walk, Newcastle, 22 April. A fantastic guided tour in the Mourne Mountains where you will hear the history of the Binnian Tunnel, see how the Mourne Granite was cut using hand tools and visit the Smuggler’s Cave. The walk is approx. 5 miles long mostly on rough tracks and is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.
7. A Night With The Stars: Stars of Country, Derry~Londonderry, 18 April. Join six of Ireland’s top country music stars at the Millennium Forum Theatre.  A fantastic show featuring Robert Mizzell, Patrick Feeney, Gary Gamble, Kathy Durkin, Mick Flavin and Curtis Magee who will showcase their biggest hit songs and some light hearted comedy in the company of the fantastic Keltic Storm.
8. Belfast Film Festival 2018, Belfast, 12-21 April. Belfast Film Festival presents a huge range of films from across the globe. The tantalising line-up includes new international cinema and documentaries, critically acclaimed television, features and shorts from local filmmakers, and plenty of post-screening discussions throughout the city. For more information visit BelfastFilmFestival.org
9. Dara O’Briain, Derry~Londonderry, 20-21 April. Dara is one of the most recognisable faces on British TV as host of the hugely successful Mock The Week, Star Gazing Live, Robotwars and Go8Bit. Catch one of the most charismatic, intelligent, fast-talking and downright funny live performers working today in this brand new show at the Millennium Forum.
10. An Evening with Rodd Hogg and Adrian Logan, Limavady, 21 April. Enjoy an evening of magic entertainment in the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural centre. Rodd has become the most sought after professional magician in the country, specialising in close-up magic.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are 10 exciting things taking place this week (9-15 April)

 

1. Ards International Guitar Festival 2018, Newtownards, 11-15 April. A fresh new programme of guitar-inspired gigs, free fringe events and guitar clinics with industry professionals. Taking place at various venues throughout Ards, expect a jam-packed line-up of blues, folk, rock, bluegrass and classical for guitar aficionados across the borough. For more information visit ArdsGuitarFestival.co.uk
2. Belfast Film Festival 2018, Belfast, 12-21 April. Belfast Film Festival presents a huge range of films from across the globe, the tantalising line-up includes new international cinema and documentaries, critically acclaimed television, features and shorts from local filmmakers, and plenty of post-screening discussions throughout the city. For more information visit BelfastFilmFestival.org
3. The Exam by Andy Hamilton, Coleraine, 10-11 April. Coleraine Amateur Stage Society perform The Exam at The Riverside Theatre. This play is a comic look at the pressures put on young people by parents and teachers.
4. Music@One Presents Gary Lutton, Derry~Londondery, 10 April. Gary Lutton, an acoustic guitarist from Belfast, brings his eclectic style of music with a unique approach to fingerstyle guitar; often meditative and chorographical to the Great Hall at Ulster University.
5. We’ll Walk Hand In Hand, Newry, 10 April. A new play by leading Northern Ireland playwright Martin Lynch performed at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre. We’ll Walk Hand in Hand plots the lives of two working class kids from Belfast, Vincent and Lesley. They meet at University in 1967 and soon find themselves at the centre of the explosive student reaction to the Civil Rights movement.
6. A Night To Remember, Belfast, 14 April. On the anniversary of the sinking of one of history’s most famous ships guests can submerge themselves in this 90 minute experience. Guests will be led by guides to key points throughout Titanic Belfast, Titanic Hotel Belfast and SS Nomadic where a heart-felt story will be told on a journey which tracks the history of Titanic from her design right through to her subsequent place in history. To book tickets visit TitanicBelfast.com.
7. Chamber Philharmonic Europe, Portaferry, 14 April. Portico is delighted to welcome the Chamber Philharmonic Europe for what promises to be an evening of exceptional chamber music. With an outstanding reputation and exciting programme, this is a concert not to miss.
8. Ballynafeigh School of Irish Dancing Performance, Belfast, 14-15 April. Enjoy a night of traditional Irish dance, music and song from Ballynafeigh School of Irish Dancing, with music from the spectacular Beyond the Pale and compered by BBC Health Correspondent, Marie-Louise Connolly. To book tickets visit WaterFront.co.uk.
9. Spring Fair, Ballymoney, 14 April. This new one-day festival has a packed programme of events and activities that will take place at Ballymoney’s Castlecroft Square, Megaw Park, The Diamond area in the town centre and the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre. Enjoy vintage cars, family fun, mouth-watering delights, intricate crafts, traditional music and much more.
10. Lough Erne Canoe Rally, Enniskillen, 14-15 April. A competitive canoeing and kayaking event open to all abilities and age groups. The idea of the event is that all individuals must choose a boat and compete in the same boat across all disciplines. Disciplines will include long distance race, forward sprint, obstacle race and competitors can even score double points by dressing in this year’s fancy theme, superheroes.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are 10 exciting things taking place this week (26 March – 1 April)

 

1. Dockside Festival 2018, Belfast, 30 March – 2 April. To celebrate the opening of a brand new visitor centre at HMS Caroline March sees the launch of the Dockside Festival which brings together live entertainers, film screenings and arts and crafts events for a fun-filled family programme.
2. Easter Egg-travaganza at SHARE, Enniskillen, 31 March – 1 April. Each day has two activity sessions including face painting, Easter crafts, egg hunt, balloon modelling and much more. Sessions start at 10.30 and 14.30 and pre-booking is essential, tickets available at ShareVillage.org/Whats-On/
3. Jungle NI Family Fun Day, Magherafelt, 31 March. This family fun day offers a colourful carnival of exciting activities, arty happenings and tasty treats promising an unforgettable adventurous escape suitable for all ages and all abilities. Similar to a fun fair, the family fun day is an open-park day and offers a range of outdoor activities.
4. Easter Celebrations at Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Holywood, 1 – 3 April. Come and enjoy a range of Easter activities and see traditional crafts such as basket making, pole lathe turning and weaving and  traditional street games.
5. The King Is Back, Derry~Londonderry, 29 March. Ben Portsmouth, Elvis tribute artist, a multi-talented musician, singer and songwriter comes to the Millennium Forum. Fans from all over the world declare Ben as the closest they have ever seen to Elvis Presley. To book tickets call 028 7127 2775.
6. Brendan Cole – All Night Long, Belfast, 28-28 March. Strictly Come Dancing’s charismatic Brendan Cole takes to the stage to wow audiences with his latest spectacular production, All Night Long. Joined by his sensational cast of guest dancers, captivating leading lady and superbly talented 14-piece band and singers, to whip up an extravagant mix of Latin fever and ballroom magic at the Waterfront Hall. To book visit WaterFront.co.uk
7. Ulster Orchestra – Brahms’ Requiem at Easter, Belfast, 30 March. Join Ulster Orchestra at the Ulster Hall for another wonderful evening of music. Let this intimate concert bring peace and time for reflection amidst the joy of Easter. To book visit UlsterOrchestra.org.uk
8. Easter at Downhill Demesne, Castlerock, 26 March – 8 April. Meeting at the Lion’s Gate for some Easter fun and Easter crafts at Downhill Demesne. Explore the natural play area and see new signs of spring in the meadows. For more information, call 028 7084 8728.
9. The Three Little Pigs, Armagh, 31 March – 3 April. Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf? Visit the three little pigs in their houses made from straw, wood and stone. The Navan Centre & Fort celebrate Easter with a range of activities including piggy arts and crafts, dress-up and an Easter trail.
10. Adrian Margey Solo Exhibition, Ballymena, 31 March – 3 April. Major exhibition by renowned artist Adrian Margey. More than forty original pieces depicting iconic Glens of Antrim & North Coast landmarks, landscapes and musical traditions will be on show at the Galgorm Resort and Spa.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are 10 exciting things taking place this week (19-25 March)

 

1. BelFeast Food and Drink Festival, Belfast, 23-25 March. A new three-day food and drink festival based in and around the Cathedral Quarter showcasing everything that’s great about our local food and drink. Festival includes food theatre, food tours and live music.
2. Belfast Fashion Week, 22-25 March. Belfast Fashion Week’s main runway shows will take place in the spectacular setting of Belfast Cathedral, featuring longer catwalks, more space and lots of interesting backdrops for photos of the fashion on the runway and of the guests in their stylish looks. To book tickets go to VisitBelfast.com.
3. Sink or Swim, Belfast, 22-24 March. Jonathan M Daley’s Sink or Swim is a meditation on the more modern concept of fame and an exploration of how far people will go to have their name up in lights. This unique play comes to the Accidental Theatre on Shaftesbury Square. To book tickets  visit AccidentalTheatre.co.uk
4. On the trail of Martel – Wild Caving Event, Enniskillen, 24 March. Explore ‘wild’ caving deep inside the Marble Arch Caves System. Meander through cave passages and climb through boulder chambers, before making your way out, muddy but proud. Booking is essential, phone 028 6634 8855.
5. Omagh and Sperrins Walking Festival, 24-25 March. Offering the opportunity for locals and visitors alike to explore the spectacular Sperrins region of Northern Ireland. Suitable for all levels with easy, intermediate and challenging walks as part of the programme. For festival programme, visit WalkNI.com.
6. Get Creative Festival, Ballycastle, 19-24 March. As part of the Get Creative Festival, the Puffin Gallery, a community interest company set up to promote the arts and crafts in the community, is organising different workshops and demonstrations including demonstrations on oil painting and pottery classes.
7. Strabane Drama Festival 2018, 16-24 March. Nine nights of top class drama at the Alley Theatre as groups from all over Ireland compete for the title of ‘Best Play’. Plays include Danger Money by Knocks Drama Circle and Tom Dick and Harry by Clanabogan Drama Circle. For full line-up, visit Alley-Theatre.com.
8. Flashdance, Derry~Londonderry, 19-24 March. Produced by the award winning team at Selladoor Productions, Flashdance the Musical comes to the Millennium Forum. Telling the inspiring story of 18 year old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of going to the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy and becoming a professional dancer. To book visit MillenniumForum.co.uk.
9. COAL, Belfast, 21-22 March. Created to mark the 30th anniversary of the end of the 1984/5 British miners strike, award-winning choreographer Gary Clarke proudly presents COAL to the MAC theatre. A riveting dance theatre show which takes a nostalgic look at the hard-hitting realities of life at the coal face.
10. Craft Beer, Cheese and Charcuterie Night, Comber, 23 March. Join Indie Füde in the Courtyard with Bullhouse Brewery from Ards, who will be demonstrating and discussing their brews. Along with them will be Jonny Cuddy telling his journey into the world of cured meats, bringing plenty to try and paired with fine cheese. To book tickets visit IndieFude.com.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.